UK Self-Sponsorship Visa

What Is the UK Self-Sponsorship Route?

The UK immigration system does not have a dedicated self-employed visa for overseas freelancers who wish to work in the UK without employer sponsorship. However, self-sponsorship is a legal and effective route for entrepreneurs and business professionals who want to establish their own UK business and work for it. Through this route, you can set up a UK company, apply for a Sponsor Licence, and use it to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, enabling you to run and work in your own business.

How Does Self-Sponsorship Work?

To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to:

• Establish a UK company and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements
• Apply for a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office
• Assign yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) once your business is approved as a sponsor
• Use the CoS to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, allowing you to live and work in the UK

Who Is Eligible for Self-Sponsorship?

The Self-Sponsorship route is suitable for entrepreneurs, business owners, and skilled professionals who want to work in their own UK business without relying on a UK employer. To qualify, you must:

• Have relevant skills, experience, or qualifications to justify your role in the business
• Set up a legally compliant UK business with a genuine trading presence
• Ensure your company can meet the UK Sponsor Licence requirements
• Meet the Skilled Worker visa salary and job eligibility criteria

Alternative Visa Options for Self-Employed Professionals

Besides self-sponsorship, other UK visa routes allow overseas nationals to work in self-employment or establish a business:

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa – For graduates from top global universities. Allows self-employment but is not extendable. Stay for two years (or three years for PhD holders).

Global Talent Visa – For leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology. No job offer required and allows full self-employment. Possible Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years.

Start-Up Visa – For entrepreneurs with an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. Must be endorsed by a UK endorsing body. Stay for two years (not extendable, but can switch to the Innovator Visa).

Innovator Visa – For experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative business plan. Requires endorsement and £50,000 in investment funds (unless switching from a Start-Up Visa). Stay for three years, extendable, and can lead to ILR.

Can You Be Self-Employed on a Skilled Worker Visa?

A Skilled Worker visa generally requires sponsorship from a UK employer, but self-sponsorship allows you to use your own UK business as the sponsor. However, you cannot register as a sole trader or work as a freelancer under this route. You must be an employee of your UK company, paying yourself a qualifying salary.

Why Choose Self-Sponsorship?

• No need for a UK employer – You control your own business
• Pathway to settlement – Apply for ILR after five years
• Expand and hire employees – Grow your company and sponsor others

Get Expert Guidance on UK Self-Sponsorship

Navigating the Self-Sponsorship Visa process can be complex. Our expert immigration lawyers can help you:

• Set up your UK company
• Apply for a Sponsor Licence
• Ensure compliance with UK visa requirements

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward establishing your UK business.